From Information and Quantum Physics to Consciousness and Reality

The nature of reality has been reconsidered since the 16th century, but relativity and quantum physics in the early 20th century made it stranger. Current debate focuses on whether information is ontological or epistemological. A recent theory proposes that spacetime and gravity emerge from microscopic quantum information, specifically from quantum entanglement via entanglement entropy. Another theory describes reality emerging from first-person experiences and algorithmic information theory. In quantum physics, perception and observation are central; perception requires information exchange, and biochemical projection gives information an interpretation necessary for life and consciousness. The world around us is not what it seems.

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Abstract

How does the world around us work and what is real? This question has preoccupied humanity since its beginnings. From the 16th century onwards, it has been periodically necessary to revise the prevailing worldview. But things became very strange at the beginning of the 20th century with the advent of relativity theory and quantum physics. The current focus is on the role of information, there being a debate about whether this is ontological or epistemological. A theory has recently been formulated in which spacetime and gravity emerges from microscopic quantum information, more specifically from quantum entanglement via entanglement entropy. A latest theory describes the emergence of reality itself through first-person perspective experiences and algorithmic information theory. In quantum physics, perception and observation play a central role. Perception, interaction with the environment, requires an exchange of information. Via biochemical projection, information is given an interpretation that is necessary to make life and consciousness possible. The world around us is not at all what it seems.